Capitol Visitor Center Opens
After years of planning and construction, on December 2, 2008, Congress officially opened the doors of the Capitol Visitor Center.
Visitors now had access to:
- A restaurant, restrooms and water fountains
- Gift Shops selling Made-in-America merchandise
- Exhibition Hall, with interactive exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Congress and the Capitol
- Shuttle service providing accessibility to Capitol Hill
The opening date was significant — December 2 marked the 145th anniversary of the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the Capitol Dome. The plaster model of the Statue of Freedom is on display in Emancipation Hall, on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. From this vantage point, visitors can better see and appreciate the statue’s details.
Since 2008, more than 31 million people from across the country and around the world have come through the doors of the Capitol Visitor Center.
Every day, whether in person or online, the Visitor Center’s staff strives to fulfill the mission of “Working together for Congress to inform, involve and inspire every visitor to the United States Capitol.”
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Specialty Tours Debut
Visitors on Capitol Tours learn about the art, architecture and history of the Capitol and Congress through stops in the Rotunda, National Statuary Hall and the Crypt. During certain times of the year, the tour includes the Old Supreme Court and the Old Senate Chambers.
To share even more of the Capitol, Guides began leading small-group tours focused on specific subjects — the Halls of the Senate, Votes for Women, Indigenous Peoples in Capitol Art, and Heroes of Civil Rights. In 2026, the Visitor Center debuted a new tour, Remembering the Revolution, as part of the America 250 celebration. The Visitor Center also offers Outdoor Tours of the Capitol Grounds during May, June, September and October.
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The Nation’s Stage
In their distinctive red jackets and vests, Capitol Visitor Center staff have assisted with moments like the unveiling of new state statues for the National Statuary Hall Collection and the awarding of Congressional Gold Medals to those who have made tremendous impacts on American life and history.
Capitol Visitor Center staff have also served Congress at State of the Union addresses and Joint Meetings, such as the addresses of Pope Francis in 2015 and King Charles III in 2026.
Capitol Visitor Center staff have helped the nation bid farewell at Lying in State and Lying in Honor ceremonies and supported five presidential inaugurations.
In 2021 and again in 2025, Congress requested that two Guides narrate the official broadcast proceedings of the inaugural ceremonies. The Guides provided a live, running commentary of the government officials, the corridors of the Capitol and the history of inaugural ceremonies.
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The Capitol Visitor Center — and all our visitors — are part of the history of the Capitol. We hope you join us for an in-person tour or a virtual visit soon.
